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Things have been pretty crazy right?
In the past few weeks there have been many changes caused by COVID-19 that have now taken affect to our everyday ways of living. Now as schools and all businesses have been encouraged and given no choice but to stop and close for the foreseeable future. We are supporting from our homes, rooms whether it’s for self-isolation purposes or not. We do what we can do to support those around us most, ourselves, our families, friends, but to support all of the incredible NHS workers, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Delivery Drivers and other key workers who have been there on the front line providing the best service of public care and health they can to all. But as much as it about them, it is also about all of the small businesses, independents and self-employed people who have been and still struggling through this. All of the incredibly work you have done to keep yourselves afloat for your businesses, whether that’s organising touch free deliveries, distributing your left over produce to the public in the form of bread, eggs and providing other forms of takeaway service. As an artist, as well as being a front line key worker. I am with those many who have felt the toll of things head on, through the lack of sales, cancellations and postponements of upcoming and future events throughout this year. Not being able to stock up on new mediums and canvas to produce more work. Not knowing, what the next day will bring whether that’s the closing of the pos t office, which hasn’t happened yet (fingers crossed). However, I want to savour this moment for being thankful for what I have and the amazing people I am surrounded by each day. But above all I am of all of the support you have given me, through the creation of my art work. This year has been the the hardest time of my life and it means so much, to have felt so surrounded and supported by everyone. Your support has always been the one thing driving me forward, guiding me in new exciting and unknown directions. Whether you’re following from Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, through your kind and thoughtful comments and DMs you’ve all sent to me. Whether you’ve come along to visit the events I take part in, as well as, the exhibitions that I host and whether you’re a collector of my work. All without which, I wouldn’t be. Thank You! Stay safe Stay well Stay home And see you on the other side! 
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I'm in the process of developing a new collection, 'The In Between' which seeps influence directly from this time of our lives during quarantine. Following on from the 'Transfers' Collection in 2018, these new works will explore the representation of internal and external energy of my surroundings through vibrant colour.
Introducing..
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I returned to take part in two Instagram Challenges including the ‘South London Biz Challenge’ hosted by Sophie Bradley and Anna Skipwith, from 2nd March- 15th March. And ‘March Meet the Maker’ hosted by Joanne Hawker from 1st March-15th March.
The experience of being a returning participant in each of these challenges was just as great as I had experienced the challenges the first time. The spirit of those taking part was just amazing and so humbling to see so many small independent business owners well in support of each other! So big thanks to Joanne Hawker for creating this wonderful opportunity for all creative practitioners year in year out through March Meet The Maker! 
One thing you should know about me, is that I love to support my local community of makers, artists, independent shops and small business owners. And this year, I have gone home many a time with a smile on my face, knowing I have helped small business owners achieve a smoother and a very successful day!
Now, as a supporter of small business, campaigns and communities, like Just A Card, RyeHereRyeNow and FeatureFifteen, my creativity is not confined to the canvas. As I use my imagination, to come up with collaborations and ideas of ways of supporting other businesses in a way that helps me to grow. 
Left: Me, Laura Hepworth Conceptual Artist. Right: George Rendall, Owner & Founder of Lane Eight Coffee on Melbourne Grove, in East Dulwich.
Just A Card is such an incredible cause, and one so valued and beneficial to all creatives and indie businesses, in this day and age. Anything that encourages people to support us is worth a great deal. And in a way, which helps all of us, as fellow makers, indie business owners and artists help each other to learn new things from one another as well.
This helps us to reach new milestones together to build up a stronger more stable foundation as a collective and community, and one that has the creative industry at the heart of it. So start supporting your local artists, makers, entrepreneurs with local businesses today, by buying just a card, a piece of art, a bespoke make or cup of coffee. You are keeping an independent and their passion alive! You can follow the Just A Card Campaign's journey on Instagram and Twitter: Instagram: @justacard Twitter @Justacard1 |
And to Sophie and Anna, for all your hard work and efforts towards the campaign you’ve created through South London Biz. You have both built one of the the most thriving, inspirational and motivating communities for the South London area, one that I am so lucky to be a part of!!
So you think you’re you up for the challenge too? Follow @sociallysophieb and @hellosocial.media for ways you can get involved in Instagram Challenges around you! It’s definitely something I’d recommend to anyone wanting to make yourself visible in the community not only to your audience but to the other local businesses that surround and support you. 
11 MELBOURNE GROVE, EAST DULWICH SE22 8RG.
Life Force: Defining Line (2019) 70x60cm at Lane Eight Coffee, in East Dulwich.
 Shannon Reed, Founder of Mockingbird Makes at her stall for the East Dulwich Christmas Cracker 2019.
As seen in the photograph above, I have volunteered to support independent Shannon Reed of Mockingbird Makes through the lending an extra pair of hands on her stalls. As well as, helping you, members of the public to make your own pompoms! Small acts such as these, provide the opportunities and time for independents like Shannon to connect and to greet new and returning clients, encouraging new connections, opportunities, sales and most importantly. Building a more enhanced interaction between the maker and client! 
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